Word counts? I'm so confused . . .

Today's blog is brought to you by a question from Ignats Pfufnik.

Hi, Margaret,
You always speak in terms of the number of words that you wrote in a particular time span, and you also speak of the intended length of this or that story in terms of a targeted total number of words. Is the number of words in a time span simply a measure of focus and productivity? Also, how is the targeted total number of words determined in advance? Do you first write an outline and then decide how many words you think it should take? Is the idea to come in on target or "under budget" in terms of the word expenditure. It is an on going curiosity of mine as I read your blog.

First things first, Iggy.  I prefer to measure my productivity by word count.  Some writers write for X number of minutes or X amount of pages. Every writer is different and it depends on what works for each author.  I recommend trying different methods and figuring out what works for you.

Since I like to measure the number of words, it doesn't matter what font I use and I can gauge my level of productivity if I use TNR 12, Arial 12, or Courier 12 (blech!  I HATE COURIER!). 

For example:   A randomly chosen page from Gnome is 393 words TNR 12.  Changing it to Arial takes the same section of words and puts three lines on the next page, while Courier 12 takes the same amount of words over 1 1/2 pages.  It all depends on if the font is non-proportional or not, in which that W doesn't take as much space as I.  Most editors just want a font that's readable.  Do not use cursive or Comic Sans.

In general, if I write 400-600 words ( 1-2 pages) in 20 minutes, then I'm writing at a very good clip and I can finish 3000 words in about 3 hours (I take 10 minute breaks in-between my writing sprints).  Of course, if I hit a plot point or motivation issue, I might spend days trying to figure out my next move.  This last week is a perfect example of this problem.  I have my plot answer, but I have to figure out how to manipulate the characters into not revealing too much too soon. 
I know the final answer to the problem but I can't let the reader in on it quite yet.



Your next question has to do with the targeted word count for a particular novel and if that number is determined in advance.  The answer is SORT OF. 

Most of the fiction genres have an accepted word count range.  And yes, I know there are books published that are outside the particular norm established by the publisher.  In the current publishing model for paperbacks (with the event of e-readers and the ease of e-publishing without the risk, the model is evolving), a publisher has to plunk down money upfront to cover the cost of production (cover, editors, paper, print, etc.) without the guarantee of profit. Books can also be returned for a FULL REFUND by bookstores, which is the monies taken out of the author's royalties prior to the author getting any money from royalties, which is where the term 'advance against returns' comes from.  Many publishing houses have been known to hold onto this money for years. 

But I digress.  In general, this is the accepted word counts for fiction genres.  And don't take these numbers as an end all be all thing.  Even agents and editors (from reading various blogs) differ on what is acceptable, though I wouldn't recommend trying to sell a 100K MG novel right off the bat.
Magazines are out of realm of knowledge, but I'd stick pretty close to their required guidelines.

Picture books: 100-500 words.  Can go up to 1000 words, but it's rare.
Children's books (easy readers, beginning chapter books): 500-3000 words
Middle grade (young 7-10): 10,000-20,000 words
Middle grade (older): 30,000-50,000 words  GNOME is 43 K, FAERIE (1st draft, unedited) 49 K
Tween and Young Adult: 40,000-60,000 words (Yes, I KNOW Harry Potter's are longer, BUT not the first three books in the series)
Novellas: 25,000-40,000
Romance:
series (Harlequins on and off the shelves in one month) 55,000-65,000 words, depending on the line.
single title: 70,000-100,000 words
Science Fiction/Fantasy can be longer 90-100 K, 120 K has been known to happen
Mystery: 60-85K

By studying the titles and the publishers guidelines, a writer can figure out how many words he needs to write a well-rounded three act story.

Outline or no outline?  Again, writers differ, depending on what works for them.  After a writer gets published, they will be bought 'on spec', which means you have to write a synopsis (the story in a nutshell) plus three chapters.  I've heard numerous authors say that after the book is bought, it doesn't write anything like the synopsis.  I don't outline.  I don't WANT to know what happens in the story, it takes the joy out of it.  BUT I do have a vague logline (one sentence that encompasses the entire story), a few plot points and that's it.  I start writing and let the characters take me on the journey.  Sometimes it's easy (TROLL) and other times hard (EVERY OTHER STORY THAT I'VE WRITTEN!).

If you over-shoot or under-shoot the word count, don't worry about it.  It's a rare thing when the first draft is ready to send out the door.  With your edits you can cut scenes that don't move the story forward, or add detail, information, etc to pad a weak word count. 
I hope that answers most of your questions for now.
And thank you for asking . . . as I'm always open to blog topics.
 
Write on!